Evangelicals back independent abortion counselling for women

The amendment to the Health and Social Care Bill has been put forward by Nadine Dorries and Frank Field is expected to be debated by MPs in the House of Commons on Tuesday or Wednesday.

They want to ensure that women considering an abortion are given counselling by organisations that do not have a vested financial interest in the procedure being carried out.

The amendment is being resisted by pro-choice groups who claim that religious groups may try to press their beliefs onto vulnerable women.

The Evangelical Alliance is the latest Christian group to give the proposals strong backing.

Dr Dave Landrum, Director of Advocacy for the Evangelical Alliance, said the amendment would be a "triumph for common sense".

"Abortion has become big business. It is effectively seen as just another form of contraception that has become a multi-million pound industry, backed by government subsidies and encouraged by political extremists blind to any form of reason or restraint," he said.

"Counselling for women who find themselves in the difficult position of considering an abortion should be less pressurised and must ensure that the decision made is done in the light of all the information and options available.

"Any move that exposes and challenges this deadly consumer culture and lets women make a choice that is not guided by organisations intent on guaranteeing their income stream is an essential move in the right direction."

Other Christian groups supporting the proposal include Christian Concern and the Christian Medical Fellowship.

Both groups have warned that women considering a termination are not always fully aware of the physical and mental health risks associated with the procedure, and feel as if they have no alternative.

Chief executive of Christian Concern, Andrea Minichiello Williams, said: "It is so important that women are given all of the information on the risks of having an abortion.

"So many women live with deep regrets after being rushed into having an abortion without adequate counselling or awareness of the cost," she said.

"Many find themselves on the conveyor belt of the abortion industry, vulnerable and under pressure. They need independent advice as a matter of priority."